Ware transferring apparatus



Jan. 16, 1934. Wu. MILLER 1,943,483

WARE FIRANSFERRING APPARATUS Filed July 2, 192*! 5 Sheets-Sheet '1INVENTOR. 5 M7082 //V/7/e/r ATTbRNEY;

Jan. 16, 1934@ w. J. MILLER 4 1,943,483

WARE THANSFERRING APPARATUS Filed July 1927 5 sheets stieet 2 Jan. 16,1934. w. J. MILLER WARE TRANSFERRING APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 FiledJuly 2. 1927 ATZ'ORNEY,

Jan. 16, 1934. w. J. MILLER ,4

WARE TRANSFERRING APPARATUS Filed July 2, 1927 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Jan. 16,1934-. v w. J. MILLER 1,943,483

WARE TRANSFERRING APfARATUS I Q 1 Filed July 2, 1927 5 Sheets-Sheet 5.

I n a 1 r I I z I Patented Jan. 16, 1934 for-Pica 7 UNITED T TES.PAflENT WARE TRANSFERRING APPARATUS 'William J. Miller, Swissvale, Pa.Application July 2', 1927. Serial No. 203,186

23 Claims. (01. 214-1) This invention relates to ware transferringapparatus. particularly adapted for use in the manufacture of pottery. gY x I An essential object'of the invention is to provide for theautomatic transfer of ware, either in a finished or partly flnish'edstate, from one place to another, as for, example, from a mold or moldsto a conveyor, or to remove the ware from the molds and place'it insuitable forms for further operations thereon. and subsequentlyretransfer the ware from the forms to the molds, or stack the ware on atable or conveyor, or transfer the ware from one conveyor to another;and in the event it isdesired to use a conveyor or conveyors, means areprovided for actuating or driving the latter in synchronism with theware transferring means.

Another object of the invention is to provide a ware transferring meansadapted to be operatedfthrough the application of a fluid medium such assuper or sub-atmospheric pressure, or both super and sub-atmosphericpressure. or to grip the article by the application of suction orsub-atmospheric pressure and discharge the article by air under pressureor super-atmospheric pressure, means being provided for timing andregulating the application of the fluid medium in synchronism with thetransferring operation, and also an auxiliary means for dislodging orreleasing the ware from the molds previous to or during the transferringoperation.

Another object 'of the invention is to provide an adjustable, yielding,conforming pressure, ware transferring means. to adapt the structure toware undergoing the process of formation. or ware of different degreesof frangibility and irregular shaped ware, and thus prevent distortionor breakage 'of the ware or marring of the sur-' face thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide a means for transferringware of different shapes and sizes simultaneously and to differentplaces 'or points of depositlas for instance. to a conveyor at differentangles for performing various operations thereon, or to grip the ware onone side so that in the case of deep ware, such as cups, bowls, etc.,access may be had to the interior and also part of the exterior of theware for any desired operation. I

Another object of the invention is to provide for readily controllingand adjusting the operation of the ware transferring means, or any partthereof, while in operation or while the driving connection subsists, orwhile at rest.

A further object of the invention is to providemeans in a waretransferring structure for ensuring proper contact of the ware grippingmember with the surface of the ware being transferred, or forautomatically conforming to the surface contour of the ware beingtransferred.

Among other objects are, to provide means for removing ware from moldsin a drying chamber or other'enclosure and transferring it to forms orother points and re-transferring it back to the a said chamber orenclosure; to center the molds previous to and during transfer of theware and to move the molds in synchronism with the transferring means;and to arrange any number of devices in multiple and series fortransferring ware of various sizes and shapes simultaneously so orapproximately simultaneously.

With the foregoing and other objects and advantages in view,the'invention consists in the preferred construction and arrangement ofthe several parts which will be more fully hereinafter described andclaimed.

In the drawings:-

Figure 1 is a side elevation, partly broken through, of a waretransferring means embody- 9o ing part of the featuresof the invention;

Fig. 2 is a horizontal sectional plan view on the line 2-2, Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a broken sectional side elevation take on the line 3-3, Fig.2; r i

Fig. 4 is adetail view of one form of means for actuating the wareconveyor taken on the. line 4-4, Fig. 2; v

Fig. 5 is a similar view taken on the line 5-5, Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 isa detail sectional view of a preferred form-of valve forapplying super. or sub-atmosphere; r Fig. '7 is a further view of thevalve, illustrating one of its applications;

Fig. 8 is a transverse vertical section through a mold and preferredform of grip device adapted for deep ware;

Fig. 8a is a similar view of a modification in structure relatively toFig. 8;

Figs. 9 and 9a are views similar to Fig. 8 of modified forms of gripdevices;

Fig. 10 is a similar view of a preferred form of grip device adapted forshallow ware;

Fig. 11 is a transverse vertical section through a further modified formof grip device and cooperating parts;

Fig. 12 is a broken plan view of a plurality of were transferringstructures, illustrating diagrammatically a method of arranging same inparallel and irregular series;

Fig. 13 is a similar view, illustrating a method of transferring aplurality of different sizes and shapes of ware simultaneously;

Fig. 14 is a side elevation of the structure shown in Fig. 13, and

Fig. 15 is a detail plan view of structure. I

The improved ware transferring means, for the purposes of illustration,is shown in cooperaan adjustment tive relation with a conveyor andpottery fabrieating mechanism substantially as disclosed in my copendingapplication Serial No. 202,629, filed June 30, 1927, but it will beunderstood that said means may be applied to any mechanism or structuredesired, to perform any function of which it is capable. application inconnection with the lower portion of Fig. 1, this conveying andfabricating mechanism may be readily undersiood, and a brief descriptionthereof should sufiice. I

The numberal 5 generally designates a stationary frame, which is shownbroken in parts to indicate that same may be of any length desired,tracks or rails 6 being adjustably secured thereto or supported thereby,on which trays or pallets '7, carrying molds 8, have movement, saidtrays or pallets having projecting trunnions 9, which are provided withbearing rollers 10, for supporting the trays while on said tracks, theseprojectingtrunnions also extending through or connected to the links ofa conveyor chain 11, the trays 7 being thereby connected in series insaid chain.

Extending horizontally along the lower portion of the frame 5 is a maindrive shaft 12, rotatably mounted in sui'able bearings 13, said shaftbeing provided with suitable gearing along its length for operating thevarious fabricating units that may be driven thereby. That portion ofthe shaft 12 herein shown is provided with sui'able bevel gears 14 and14 meshing with corresponding gears 15 and 15*, secured on shafts 16and16*, extending at right angles to said drive shaft 12. the shaft 16having adjustably secured thereon a cam 1'7, adapted to impart movementto a lever 18, provided with a cam roller 19, said lever beingadjustably fulcrumed at 20, the point of fulcrum being adjustable whilein operation preferably through the medium of a sliding block adjustmentshown in detail in Fig. 15. This form of adjustment may be clearlyunderstood by referring to my copending application Serial No. 148,872,filed Nov. 1'7, 1926, for Multiple and automatic jigger. The numeral 21designates a floating block having a pin or trunnion 21 projectingtherefrom and providing a bearing for a sliding block 21, which moves ina slot-formed in the member or lever to be pivoted or fulcrumed, in thepresent instance the lever 18, said block 21 being formed with a flangeto prevent lateral displacement of the lever and the pin 21 providedwith a cotter key or analogous means to prevent lateral displacement ofthe said block. A bracket 21 is formed integral with or attached to thestationary-frame of the meohanbm, and

By referring to my above extending through and supported by thisbrackframeis a screw 21 said screw being threaded through the block 21By adjusting this screw 21, the pivot or fulcrum point may be varied andconsequently the throw of the lever while in operation and while thepivotal or fulcrum connection subsists, with advantages which will beapparent.

The lever 18 is pivoted at one extremity, as at 22, to a pitman 23,extending vertically and adjustably connected by a cross fork 24 to ahollow spindle 25, which is telescoped over and in splineslidingengagement with a spindle 26, the spindle 25 terminating in a chuck 27for supporting the mold 8. Coacting friction gears 28 and 29 areadjustably secured on the spindle 26 and shaft 16 respectively, forimparting rotation on the mold if desired or necessary for a fabricatingoperation, and through the cam 17, lever 18 and pitman 23, the chuck andmold may be reciprocated. or raised and lowered if found desirable. Inthe present instance it may be preferred to dispense with the means forimparting rotation to the mold, including the shaft 16 bevel gears 14and 15* and friction gears 28 and 29.

Adjustably pivoted to the lower portion of the frame, as at 30, throughthe medium of the sliding block adjustment above referred to, is a lever31, adapted to be actuated by a cam 32, acting on a cam roller 33mounted on said lever 31, the upper extremity of the lever 31 beingprovided with a pawl 34, adapted to abut against the projectingtrunnicns 9 of the trays '1 during the forward movement of the lever 31and ride over said trunnions during the return stroke of said lever. Thecam 32 is ,eccentrically mounted on a shaft 35, provided with a gear 36meshing with a gear 37 on the drive shaft 12. An adjustable length latch38 is pivotally mounted on the track 6, said latch 11 being providedwith a cam raise 39, ad 1 pted to contact with a pin 40 on said lever 31when the lever reaches the limit of its return stroke. By the structurejust described, the trays 7 are intermittently moved forward on thetracks 6, the latch 38 then engaging the trunnions 9 to hold the traysin immovable position until a desired fabricating operation has beencompleted and while the lever 31 is moving rearward, until the pin 40contacts with the latch cam 39, releasing said latch, to thereby permita further forward movement of the trays.

By referring to the upper portion of Fig. 1, it will be noted that guideposts 41 are shown as depending from and secured to a platform or crossbrace structure 42, which is supported by the frame 5, the upperextremities of said posts being threaded and extending through openings43 in the brace which are larger than the diameter of the posts andsecured by nuts 44, thus providing for vertical and lateral adjustmentof said posts 41 within these openings. The guide posts are adapted toguide and support a supplemental frame 45, which is vertically slidableon saidposts,

the lower ends'of these guide posts being formed 1 with stop heads 46,which may, in some instances, support the frame 45 when in its lowermostposition and act as a stop for said frame. The lower part of the frame45 is formed with a dove-tail groove 47 as shown in dotted lines in Fig.l and pose which will be presently explained. A lever 1 v 51 is pivotedto said bar 48 atits lower extremity,

as a 52, and at its upper extremity adjustably p adjustment heretoforespecified, as at 53, to the frame 45. The upper portion ,of the frame'45 is formed with a further dove-tailed groove, 54 shown in dottedlines in Fig. 1, for slidably supporting a bar 55 in a horizontal plane,said bar being adjustably limited in its lateral sliding movementtowards the right as viewed in Fig. 1 by an adjusting screw 56, and atthe left said bar terminates a suitable distance from the end of saidgroove 54, thus providing a recess for insertion of a suitablecompressionspring 5'7, adjustable through the medium of a screw 58, thebar being adjustably maintained under longitudinal pressure by saidscrew and spring. A suitable cam-contactingmember orbracket 59 issecured to the bar'55, and to connect the bracket 59 and lever 51 inreadily adjustable association, a turnbuckle 60 is secured to thebracket and lever, said turn buckle having-an adjusting screw 61, a

stem being threaded and provided with an adjusting and limiting nut 66and also having attached thereto a suspending cord, chain or analogousmember 6'7, extending over a grooved wheel or pulley 68, having bearingin an extension 69 of the bracket 63, said cord serving to supportregulable counter-balancing weights 70, so that the force of contact ofthegrip head 64 with the article to be and for other purposes. with alongitudinal groove 63*, a screw 63 being transferred may be regulatedtoprevent breakage The stem '65 is formed secured in the bracket 63 andadjustably projecting into said groove, to prevent turning movement ofthe grip head when transferring irregularly shaped ware.

One preferred method of imparting vertical movement to the frame '45 andlateral movement to the bars 48 and 55, to thereby operate thetransferring means as a whole, is to mount a cam shaft '71 in suitablebearings on the main stationary frame 5, said shaft having securedthere.

on cams 12 and 73, adjustable through the medium of hubs 74 and 75 andset screws 74 -and 75*, (see Fig. 2), the cam 72 being adapted to.

contact with'the bracket 59 secured to the bar 55 and thus impartlateral movement to the pickup assembly, and the cam '13 being a doublecam and contacting with a roller '76 ona lever 7'7, adjustably pivotedatone extremity through the sliding block adjustment heretofore referredto, as at 78, to a bracket 79, which is secured to the platform or bracestructure 42 as at 80, and at its opposite extremity hingedly orpivotally connected to the frame 45 through the medium of a terminalbracket 81, threaded on a rod or bolt 82, extending through 2. lug orear 83, which may be formed integral with the frame 45, an adjusting nut84 being applied on the rod 82 below said lug 83 for adjusting while inoperation the reciprocation of the. frame 45.

From the foregoing it will be noted that the pick-up or transferassembly may be caused to .move vertically in a straight line from oneposition, then moved laterally in a straight line to through themediumof the sliding block another position, and again moved vertically in astraight line, these movements being primarily imparted thereto by thedouble cam 73 acting on the frame 45 to raise the latter, carrying thepickup assembly therewith, the cam 72 then causing a lateral movement tothe bars 48 and 55 and consequently the pick-up assembly, and the cam 73again acting to lower the frame 45 and said assembly, these movementsbeing repeated in the return of the assembly and said cams "l2 and:

in operation and without disconnecting the pivot securing means. Byadjusting the pivot point 78 of the lever 77, the extent of verticalreciprocation of the frame 45 and pick-up assembly may be varied oradjusted while in operation without altering its lowermost extent oftravel, and by adjusting the pivot point 53, the extent of lateral ingthe posts 41 through the medium of the nuts 44, the lowest point ofreciprocation of the said frame and assembly may be altered withoutaffecting its highest point of reciprocation. By adjusting the screws5!) and 56 the lateral extent of reciprocation or movement of thepick-up as- Fig. 1, may be adjusted or varied while in operation withoutaffecting its reciprocation in the opposite direction, and vice verse byadjusting screw 61, and these adjustments are of particular advantage inpositively spotting the grip head 64 relatively to the article to beoperated upon. By adjusting the turn-buckle screw 61, the position ofreciprocation within a desired area of the pickup assembly may be variedwithout affecting the extent of reciprocation thereof, and by changingthe position of the turn-buckle through the medium of the holes 62, theextent of travel of the pick-up assembly may also be varied withoutaltering its central point of reciprocation or reciprocatory movement.The face of the camcontacting bracket 59 is shown vertical in thepresent instance, so that the degree or extent of reciprocation may beconstant regardless of the vertical position of the frame 45. However,the face of said bracket 59 may have various contours, to vary thedegree of reciprocation in proportion to the vertical position of theframe 45. The screw 58 may serve to regulate the degree of pressurerequired to move the pick-up assembly in one direction in addition tomaintaining the cam-contacting bracket 59 against the cam 72. In thepick-up assembly the nut 66 may be used to adjust the lowest position ofthe grip head 64. By adjusting the cams '72 and '73 on shaft 71 thephase or time of verticaland lateral movements of the transfer means maybe varied independently of the other adjustments.

The foregoing adjustments are set forth simply to enumerate some of theadvantageous features of adjustment provided in the improved transfermeans, and by combining the various adjust sembly in one direction, ortoward the right in I ments, practically all movements may becontrolled, not only while the mechanism isat rest but while inoperation and without dissociating or temporarily disconnecting theparts, and fur- 6 thermore, all vertical movements may be controlledindependent of lateral movements, and vertical and horizontal movementsmay be caused to ensue simultaneously. The cam shaft 71 is drivenparticularly shown in .Fig. 2, through the medium 'of suitable mitre orbevel gears 86 and 87, re-

spectively secured on the shaft 85 and cam shaft fl and adjustable byscrews 86 and 8'? extending through hubs 86 and 87 Figs. 8, 8a, 9, 9a,10 and 11 show preferred forms of grip heads adapted to operate throughthe application of super or sub-atmospheric pressure.

In Fig. 10 the structure is particularly adapted for use in transferringwere such as plates, saucers, etc., and therein the numeral 88designates a body member, which may be of suitable preferably lightweight material, formed with a main substantially horizontal chamber 89,having a plurality of substantially vertical branches or ducts '90,which may be ofannular, segmental or other form, leading-therefrom andterminating in the lower surface of the device. Surrounding the lowerouter periphery of the body member 88 an annular valve member 91,preferably of flexible material such as rubber, is disposed andsecured-as by screws 92, the lower portion of said valve flaringoutwardly andextending a suitable distance below the body member 88, soas to contact with the ware A and seal the chamber 89 when a subatmospheric condition is created therein. Surrounding the lower portionof the grip head and adapted to contact with the mold when the grip.head descends to perform its function I prefer to provide an adjustablelimiting and centering member or guard 93, secured to the upperperipheral portion of the body member 88 as by screw bolts 94 andsuitable sized washers 95, to provide for adjustment. viding adjustmentfor this member may be adopted without departing from the scope of theinvention, the present means being shown simply for the purposes ofillustration. The lower portion of the guard 93 is shaped to conform tothe contour of the mold at the approximate point of contact therewith,as at 96, and among other functions this member or guard 93 servesas astop or limiting member to prevent the lower surface of the body member88 from contacting with the ware and also may serveas an additionalcentering means.- A suitable fiexible member or tube 9'1 connects withthe chamber 89 through the medium of a nipple 98, which is threaded orotherwise inserted in the body member 88, said tube being adapted toextend to a suitable valve, hereinafter described, or to any source ordevice for the application of suction or sub-atmospheric pressure undercontrol.

The stem. forming part of the pick-up assembly is formed with anenlarged annular head 65, adapted to extend loosely into a recess 88formed in the upper part of the body member 7% 88, a clamping plate 99being then secured over said recess around said head as by screw bolts100, thus providing a loose flexible swivel connection of the stem 65with the grip head so that the latter has more or less lateral play andswinging movement, one advantage of which from a shaft 85,

However, other means of pro is to facilitate centering of the grip headthrough the various adjustments and guard 93.

To ensure proper contact of the grip head with the ware, I prefer toprovide adjustable contact members which are shown in the pres entinstance in the form of threaded nipples preferably of rubber or otherresilient material, adjustably threaded in the outer portions of anydesired number of the branch ducts 90 but preferably only three of thelatter and situthe gripping surface of the ware is of regular orirregular contour, thus eliminating any tendency toward gripping stressor strain which may cause distortion or breakage of the ware.

Any of the branch passages or ducts 90 may be selectively closed bymembers 90, which are shown in the form of resilient studs shaped to fitthecontour of the passages or ducts and adjustably threaded therein, andthese members 90 may also serve as additional cushioning means ifdesired.

Fig. 8 shows a preferred form of grip head adapted for deep molds. Inthis instance the body member 88 is formed with a substantially verticalpassage or chamber 89*, terminating at the lower surface of said memberand having branches 90 leading off therefrom to the outer side surfaceof said member. The sealing valve in this instance is-in the form of asuitable flexible or rubber tube 91 which is seated in an annular recessformed in the body member. This form of valve may also serve as anadditional centering means relatively to the ware being operated upon.The guard or stop member 93 in this instance 'is adjustably threaded onthe stem 65 and maintained in position by lock nut 101, and likewise thegrip head is adjustably secured to said stem by forming a threadedrecess therein, the stem 65 being threaded in said recess and secured bya lock nut 102. The grip head is flexibly connected by a suitableflexible member or tube 103, whichis interposed in the stem 65,v

said connection being shown with a slight offset in Fig. 8 to indicatethe resilient character thereof. It may be preferred in some instancesto use this form of connection in operating upon very sensitive ordelicate or partly hardened ware. However, the member 103 may beinterposed at any suitable point. To grip the ware, sub atmosphericpressure may be applied as the operatingimedium, and to ensure positiverelease of the ware, super-atmospheric pressure may be applied. The

recess in which the sealing valve 91 is seated is inclined on its lowersurface, as at 91 and vents 91 are provided, so that the vacuum willpull downward and outward on the ring 91 and the latter conform to thesurface contour of the ware and seal uniformlyl Vents 93 are alsoprovided in the guard 93, to permit atmosphere to enter when were isgripped and prevent a. sub-atmospheric condition between the guard andmold and lifting of the entire mold.

As an alternate sealing valve, the annular flap valve 91 shown in Fig.10 may be adapted to the form of grip head shownby Fig. 8, the valvebeing suitably secured at its lowerportion or edge to the body member88. When using this form of valve the vents 91 may be closed by any ofthe forms of plugs or studs 90 adapted therefor. When the grip head isdisposed in operative relation to the ware and sub-atmospheric pressureapplied therein, the'u'pper portion of the flap valve 91 will be drawnoutwardly against the ware and perform its sealing function, as will beunderstood. The contact nipples 90 may also be used in this form of griphead and adapted to contact at three pointsas in Fig. 10. and withditional or alternate sealing and conforming means, and either or .bothmembers 91 and 90 maybeused.

Fig. 9 illustrates a method of adapting the grip head for operationthrough the introduction of air under pressure or super-atmospheric pressure. In this instance the tubular valve 91 is formed with asnug-fitting nipple portion, as at 91*, opening into the upper branchpassages or ducts 90 which lead into the main passage or chamber 89*.The lower outer periphery of the body member has applied thereoverflexible means such as rubber as at 91, which may be secured againstdisplacement and leakage as for instance by an annular clamping bandsnugly enclosing the upper portion of the said flexible means 91, asshown, and the lower branches or ducts 90 terminate under this flexiblecovering 91. It will be seen that by applying air under pressure throughthe main chamber 39 and ducts 90, the flexible 'means 91* and 91 willexpand and grip the ware. Either one or both of these expansion grippingmeans in the form of the valve 91 and covering 91 may be used in thisform of grip head. The degree of gripping force applied may be varied bysuitable reducing valves in the fluid medium supply conduits, not shown,and as ordinarily practiced.

As an alternate construction or in conjunction with either one orboth-of the expansion means 91* and 91, a series of movable jaws,preferably three, shown in the formofpistons or plungers in Fig. 9 maybe used in the form of grip head illustrated by this figure, the'body 88being formed with-transverse bores 104 for insertion of pistons orplungers 104, preferably three in number as just-specified, which areforced outwardly by air under pressure introduced into the chamber 89and retracted through the medium of sub-atmospheric pressure or a spring104 which is seated in recesses formed in said plungers or pistons 104and adjustably secured thereto as at 104., The inner end of each pistonis formed with a bore segment, forming a complete bore 104*, adapted toregister with the passage 89 when the pistons are retracted, and theouter end of each piston is provided with conforming and cushioningcontact members 104 As above specified, either one, two or all three ofthe expansion gripping means 91, 91 and 104 shown in Fig. 9 may be usedin the construction of this form of grip head. The flexible covering 91operates over an" extended surface of theware and conforms to thecontour of such surface. The member 91 may be in the form of a. ring orseries of sections of a ring orbulbs instead of the annular form shown.

1 The. limiting or stop member 93 in Fig. 9 is shown as being slightlymodified relatively to Fig. 8, said member extending to the outerperipheral top edge of the mold and shaped'as at 96, to facilitatecentering. Sub and super-atmospheric pressure may be introduced into thechamber 89'- through a bore 89 formed in the stem to respectivelyrelease and grip the ware. The grip head may be prevented fromcontacting with the ware by any suitable means such as an annular memberor rubber ring shown seated in a groove at the upper portion of the saidhead and. which also serves as a cushioning means.

Fig. 9a illustrates a modified form of grip head relatively to Fig. 9,adapted to operate exterior of the ware through the application ofsuper-atmosphere. In this instance the expansion member 91 gripsexteriorly of the ware and automatically conforms to the contourthereof, and as in the previous forms shown, this member may be a seriesof tubular sections or bulbs or the movable jaw construction may beadapted to this grip head.

The form of grip head shown in Fig. 11 illustrates one preferredconstruction for gripping ware from the side and turning same, to permitaccess to the interior of the ware and also the greater part of theexterior, for any finishing or other operation that may be desired. Inthis instance the recessed portion 98 of the body member 88 provides aseat for the head 105 of a pin or stub shaft 105, said head being alsoformed with a seat for a spring 107, thus providing a cushioning meansbetween said head, 105 and body member 88 and resiliently maintainingthe head 105 in extended position, said head being squared orrectangular in accordance with the recess 98 in the body member 88, sothat the head .may cause the body to rotate therewith and at the sametime have lateral or horizontal movement in the recessed portion 98. Thestem 65 in this instance has secured thereto, or formed integraltherewith, a rack guide or bracket 106 for a rack 106 the latter havinga stud or boss 106 on one side of the upper extremity thereof for apurpose which will be presently explained. A pinion 107 is adjustablyand removably secured on the stub shaft 105, as at 107, the teeth ofsaid pinion being adapted to mesh with the teeth of the rack 106 Thestub shaft 105 projects through and has bearingin the stem 65 and theprojecting extremity thereof is provided with a collar 107 adjustablethrough the medium of a screw 107, a stop pin 10'7 being threaded orotherwise securedin said collar and adapted to con-tact with a similarpin 107 threaded in the stem 65. That portion of the stem 65 whichsupports the stub shaft 105.has a threaded bore formed therein, thisbore serving to retain in position an adjustable brake assembly in theform I of a brake shoe 107, spring 107 and screw 107,

the screw and spring maintaining the brake shoe in adjustable resilientcontact with the stubshaft 105. If desired, notches or shoe-registeringin- ,dentations 107' may be formed in the stub shaft 105, for a purposewhich will be presently explained. Suitably secured to a stationary partof the frame, such as the platform members 42,

and depending therefrom in cooperative adja-- cency with relation to thegrip head assembly just described, I show 'a bracket 107 provided withscrews 107 and 107 adjustable relatively to the stud or boss 106 on therack 106.

In operation, the grip head assembly shown by Fig. 11 may be adjusted sothat the stud or boss 106 on the rack 106= moves to a position betweenthe screws 107 and 107 of the stationary bracket 107 when the grip headmoves laterally and descends into operative adjacency relatively to theware to be transferred. By adjusting the screws 107 and 107 to increaseor decrease the gap therebetween, the distance which the ware may beraised prior to being turned, or to clear the form or mold supportingthe ware, may be correspondingly increased or decreased. As the griphead assembly, including the rack 106' and pinion 107, rises, the boss106 contacts with the screw 107 and causes the latter to turn the pinion107 and shaft 105 and consequently the grip head and ware, until theassembly is moved laterally. thus moving the boss 106 out of contactwith the screw 107 and it is preferred that the collar 107 be adjustedon stub shaft 105 so that the pins 107 and 107 contact at approximatelythis time. However, the amount of turn ing movement imparted to the waremay be regulated in a number of ways, as by adjusting the screw 107relatively to the distance the assembly is first raised, or by adjustingthe collar 107' on stub shaft 105, or by adjusting the amount of riseimparted to the assembly as a whole, or by combining any two or more ofthe foregoing adjustments. The brake screw 107 may be adjusted toprevent back rotative movement of the assembly, and if an additionalspotting or positioning means is desired, the indentations 107 may beformed in the stub shaft 105 to register with the brake shoe 107 so thatapproximately at the time the grip head is in its lowermost adjustedposition, one of said indentations will register with the brake shoe andhold the grip head firm.

When the grip head deposits the ware at the desired point and rises andmoves laterally back to grip another article of ware, it may be adjustedto move the rack boss or stud 106 to a position between the screws 107and 107 the lower screw 10! being adjusted so that when the assemblydescends, the boss 106 contacts with said screw and imparts a stroke tothe rack 106 and rotates the grip head back to its original uprightposition ready to grip another piece of ware, the stop pins 107 and 107and brake screw and shoe then functioning as in the inverting or turningoperation.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the ware may be inclined to anydesired degree for fabricating operations while suspended or may 'bedeposited at a desired point for performing an operation thereon andthen re-deposited at its original point of transfer or at another point.Also, the segmental or sectional form of grip head shown by Fig. 11could be adapted to grip the ware at an intermediate point or at the topor bottom by obvious modifications in structure and any desired numberof segmental or seetional forms thereof used in combination.

Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate a preferred form of valve, generally indicatedat 108 in Fig. 2, for controlling the introduction of subor'super-atmosphere, or either or both, to the grip head 64, said valvecomprising a casing 109, plunger 110,

7 formed with passages 110 and 110 and spring 111, against which theplunger works. A key 111, shown in dotted lines, projecting into agroove formed in the side of the plunger 110 serves to prevent angulardisplacement of said adapted to receive the chuck spindle 26, whichplunger. The casing 109 is formed with ports 112, 113 and 114, the port112 being adapted for communication with the flexible tube 97 leading tothe grip head in the form shown by Fig. 10, the port 113 with a suitableflexible member or tube 113 leading to a source of application of airunder pressure or super-atmosphere or may lead simply to the atmosphere,and the port 114 with a similar member 114 leading to a source ofapplication of suction or sub-atmosphere, such as a vacuum pump. Theupper extremity of the casing 109 is formed with a threaded recess 115,for adjustable insertion of a, threaded bolt or stud 116, by which thevalve may be supported from a part of the frame 5, said bolt 116 beingprovided with lock nuts 117, 118- and 118, and extending through anenlarged opening 119 in said frame, whereby the valve may be adjusted onsaid rod and secured in adjusted position and the position of the valveas a whole universally adjusted on said frame, thus enabling accurateadjustment of the valve relatively to a cam 120, which is shown as apreferred means of opera ing said valve and which will now be described.

The earn 120 is adjustably secured on the shaft 100 71, see Fig. 2,through the medium of a hub 121 and screw 121, said cam being formedwith a low part 120, a raised part 120 and a high part 120. The shaft 71is adapted in the present instance to rotate in a counter-clockwisedirec 105 tion, and in the position of the cam and valve as shown inFig. 6, the forms of grip heads shown by Figs. 8, 8a, and 11 will begripping the ware, or the said grip head chambers 89 or 89 will havesub-atmospheric pressure or suction applied 110 thereto, the passage 110registering with the ports 114 and 112, respectively communicating witha source of application of sub-atmosphere and the grip head. When thecam revolves and the low part 120 thereof permits the plunger 110 1 5 tomove outwardly, the passage 110 registers with the port 112, and atapproximately this time the grip head is in a position to release theware, and this may ensue by applying air under pressure or simplybreaking the vacuum by the admission of atmosphere to the chambers 89 or89 When the cam raise 120 permits the plunger to move to an intermediateposition, none of the ports will register, this being the neutralposition of the valve to avoid waste of fluid medium. 125 When using theforms of grip head shown by Figs. 9 and 9a, the cam may be adjusted sothat the low part 120 contacts with the head of the plunger when thegriphead is gripping the ware and the high part 120 when in a position ofrelease, as will be understood.

It may be desirable to provide for injecting air under pressure orsuper-atmospheric pressure under the ware on the mold, to facilitateremoval of the ware and for other purposes, and Fig. 7 illustrates thevalve 108 applied at the lower portion of the chuck spindle,substantially as disclosed in my copending application Serial No.170,613, filed Feb. 24, 1927, for Method and means for chucking molds inthe manufacture -:1-- of pottery. By referring to said application, thisstructure may be readily understood, the cam 120 being adjust-ablysecured on the shaft 16 and the flexible member 97 communicating with asocket formed in the lower frame of the machine and may be formed with alongitudinal bore 26, said bore communicating with the chuck,-which maybe formed as disclosed in my copending application above noted. The mold8 may also be 15 dicated at 8 terminating in vents 8 thus permitting airunder pressure or suction, as found expedient, to be communicated to theunder portion of the ware on the mold, and this operation may be readilytimed to take place whenever desired, which may be at the time the griphead 64 is acting to raise or lift the ware from the mold. I

In some instances it may be'desirable to remove or transfer the warefrom the mold to a form'for a desired operation or operations thereonand then remove or re-transfer the ware back to the same or another moldor form, and for the purposes of illustration, in Fig. 3 the waretransferring means is shown disposed in operative adjacency to'a dryingchamber, diagrammatically illustrated and generally designated at B. Themold conveying and rotating and reciprocating mechanism illustrated atthe lower portion of Fig. 1 may be continued through the drier, and at adesired point the walls of the drier, preferably the top wall thereof,is formed with suitable openings for removal and replacement of the warepassing thereunder on said mechanism. At the left of Fig. 3 a form C'isshown simply for the purposes of illustration. A plurality of theseforms may be used if desiredand disposed on a conveyor 122, as shown inplan view in Fig.- 2, and which will be hereinafter described, each ofsaid forms being provided with a cavity or recess ofsuch size as toaccommodate the ware to be disposed therein. A conveyor 122' is alsoillustrated in the drier moving at right angles to the mold conveyingand reciprocating mechanism; and the forms C may be secured to theconveyor 122 as by screws 123 and preferably swingably mountedthroughthe medium of trunnions .on

the conveyor 122 as at 123 Among other functions, the forms C serve asholders for the ware and a positive spotting means 'on the conveyor ,fora desired subsequent fabricating operation.

The structure illustrated in Fig. 3 includes I substantially thesameessential features as disclosed in Fig. 1, except that the stem 65carrying the grip head is shown. as preferab.y pivotally mounted on thebar 48 as at 124, a stud 125 being secured in the frame and adapted tointercept the stem above the pivot 124, so that when the stem is causedto move laterally by the cam 72, said stem and grip head will swing inan are, as from the dotted position in Fig. 3 to a point adjacent theform C. To deposit the ware in the form, the stem and grip head may beswung to a point above the horizontal plane of the form C, then movedlaterally above the form and lowered therein and released and the griphead again moved laterally in an opposite direction to clear the formand permitted to swing by gravity to a point above the mold, or the griphead carrying the ware. may be swung to a point opposite the form C andmoved laterally to slide the ware into the recess provided therefor, theware then being released .or ejected from the grip head and the latterreturned laterally to clear the form and permitted to swing free to apoint above the mold. The cam 73 is shown in Fig. 3 as being modifiedrelatively to the similar cam illustrated in Fig. 1, to provide for theforegoing operations,

the molds in the drier, or alternate, that is to say, transfer anarticle from the mold in the drier to a form on the conveyor 122 and thelatter moved a step forward by means which will presently be described,bringing a succeeding form holding ware which may have been given adesired treatment or operation adjacent the grip head, and the lattercaused to grip this piece of ware and transfer it back to the drier.Also, by removing the stud 125, the ware may be transferred from themolds passing-through the drier or outside thereof to the forms shown onthe conveyor 122'. in the drier, as willbe understood, the transferoperation then being substantially as heretofore described in connectionwith Fig. 1.

The forms of grip heads shown in Figs. 8 and 9 are particularly-adaptedfor the structure shown in Fig. 3 it of course not being practicable touse the flexible member 103 in the stem 65. The flexible tube 97 leadingfrom the valve 108 connects with the stem'65 preferably at a pointadjacent its pivotal connection and communicates with the bore 89 insaid stem.

As heretofore specified, the present invention is not limited totransferring ware from any particular point to another, and in thepresent instance I have shown conveyors to which the ware may betransferred from the molds, or vice versa, these conveyorsbeing adaptedto convey the ware to any point desired or move the ware into operativeadjacency to other fabricating mechanism.

The conveyors 122 and 122' at the left of Figs. 1, 2 and 3 and at thelower portion of Fig. 3 in the drier may be adapted to support the formsC while the conveyor 122 shown at the right in Figs. 1

and 2 may be adapted to support shallow ware such as plates, saucers,etc. These conveyors may be continuously or intermittently driven, but Iprefer to drive same intermittently, and Figs. 4

and 5 illustrate in detail a preferred form of drive which may besynchronized with the operation of the transfer means.

Fig. 4 illustrates a drive which may be used when it is desired to stacka desired number of pieces of ware on the conveyor and then move.

and screw 126, see Fig. 2, said shaft being suitably supported inbearings on the main stationary frame 5. A motion plate 128 isadjustably secured as by a hub 129 and screw 129* on the shaft 85 inoperative adjacency to said Geneva wheelv 126, said plate being formedwith a bracket in which a roller 130 has bearing, said roller beingadapted to intermittently engage slots 126 formed in the wheel 126 whenthe motion plate revolves. A cam 131 is also adjustably secured on thecounter shaft 12'7'as by a hub 132 and screw 1329, see Fig. 2, said cambeing adapted to contact with a roller 133, rotatably mounted on a lever134, a spring 135, which may be adjustably secured to the stationaryframe 5 and said lever at a suitable point not shown as regards theframe, serving to maintain the roller 133 in contact with said cam 131.The lever 134 has pivotally secured to its lower extremity an adjustablelength ratchet or pawl 136, adapted to intermittently actuate a ratchetwheel 137, secured on one 'of the bearing shafts 138 for the conveyor122; The ratchet wheel 137. is prevented from having movement impartedthereto on the return stroke of the ratchet 136 by a dog 139, pivotallysecured to the frame 5 and held against the wheel by a spring 140. Theupper extremity of the bar 134 is adjustably pivoted to the frame 5, asat 134, Fig. 1, through the medium of the sliding block adjustmentheretofore explained.

In operation, the motion plate 128 rotates with the shaft 85 and may beadjusted and timed on said shaft so that it will actuate the wheel 126at each transfer operation of the frame 45 and cooperating parts; theconveyor remaining stationary until the wheel completes five-sixths ofits circuit as shown in the present instance and during which time theroller 133 is gradually moving to the low part of the cam 131 and theratchet 136' is being retracted. The abrupt rise in the cam 131 thenacts on the roller 133 and imparts a stroke to the ratchet 136 andmovement to the conveyor.

The cam 131 may have various contours, as for instance, a series ofraises and depressions, so that the conveyor would be actuated a numberof times during the complete circuit of the wheel 126. Furthermore, theGeneva wheel 126 may have any desired number of slots 126, to permitdwell oi the conveyor for the stacking of the desired number ofarticles. 9

Fig. illustrates a preferred form of drive for imparting a step-bystepmovement to the conveyor at each transfer operation of the transferringmeans and is shown applied to the conveyor 122 at the left of Figs. 1and2. In this instance the cam and ratchet structure shown in Fig. 4 issubstituted by a gear 141, which is adjustably secured on the countershaft 127 as by a hub 141 and screw 141*, said gear 141 being adapted todrive a smaller gear 142, which is removably secured on the shaft 138 ofthe conveyor, through the medium of a flexible member or chain 143. Itwill be seen that at each rotation of the motion plate 128 and resultingmovement of the Geneva wheel 126, a step-by-step movement will beimparted to the conveyor through the gears 141 and 142. This operationmay be timed by adjusting the motion plate 128 on shaft 85 and also byadjusting gear 141 on counter shaft 127, and by replacing gear 142 withlarger or smaller gears, the degree of shift imparted to the conveyormay be varied. This form of drive may also be used for the conveyor 122'in the drier..

The conveyors 122 and 122 may be removably and adjustably supported onthe main stationary frame 5 through the medium of hanger brackets 144,particularly shown in Fig. 5, which are secured to said frame by screwbolts 145, universal adjustment being obtained by providing enlargedopenings 146 and shims 147. The conveyors may be of any suitable typeadapted for the purpose.

The ware transferring means may be driven independently from the uppershaft 85, but it is preferred to drive from the lower shaft 12 andtransmit power to the shaft 85 through the medium of suitable flexiblemembers 149 and pulleys or sprockets 150, adjustably secured on shafts12 and 85 and by which the movement of one shaft may be synchronizedrelatively to the other.

Figs. 12, 13 and 14 illustrate diagrammatically methods of arranging theware transferring structure in parallel and series and also indicatethat various forms and sizes of were may be transferred simultaneouslyor approximately simultaneously. It will be noted in Figs. 13 and 14that a multipleof grip heads, adapted for both deep and shallow ware anddifferent sizes of were, are supported by the bar 48, thus providingforoperation simultaneously and as a unit, the supporting frame 148 beingbroken through Leas es to indicate that same may be of any lengthdesired.

- From theforegoing the operation of the ware transferring means shouldbe apparent and a brief summary thereof should sufiice. In Fig. 1 thegrip head 64 at the right is shown transferring plates from the molds 8,shown in dotted lines in trays 7, and stacking them on the conveyor 122while the grip head at the left of Fig. 1 is shown transferring deepware from the molds and depositing them in the forms C on conveyor 122,the frame for actuating, the latter grip head being in raised position.As will be understood by referring to Figs. 4 and 5, the drive for theconveyor 122 may be timed to impart a step movement thereto after anumber of plates have been stacked thereon, while the conveyor 122 maybe moved a step at each transfer operation. When the cam 73 shown inFig. 1 revolves further, it will raise the frame 45, carrying thepick-up assembly including the grip head 64 therewith, the cam '22 thencontacting with the bracket 59 and sliding the bars 48 and andconsequently the said assembly laterally to a point above the mold 8.The earn 1'? on shaft 16 and lever 18 may be adjusted and timed so as tocause the chuck to rise through the tray and elevate the moldapproximately at the time the grip head is being lowered, preferably sothat the 'chuck and mold carrying the ware or article of pottery willhave reached their highest adjusted position of rise just prior tocontact with the grip head. However, if desired, the mold need not beelevated, the grip head then being adjusted to lower a distancesufficient to operatively contact with the ware on the mold. The cam120, controlling the operation of the valve 108, may be adjusted so thatat approximately the time of contact of the grip head Uil with the ware,the high part 120 of said cam will permit the passage to register withports 112'and 114, thus permitting the application of sub-atmosphere tothe grip head in the forms 7 shown by Figs. 8, 8a, 10 and 11 andgripping of the ware. If there is a tendency of the ware to stick, or iffound otherwise advantageous, the valve controlling application of superor subatmospheric pressure to the underside of the article of pottery onthe mold through the spindle 26 may be caused to operate at this time,thus facilitating removal of the ware from the mold. The double cam 73in Fig. 1 then causes the grip head to rise, carrying the weretherewith, the cam 72 then moving same laterally and cam 73 again actingto lowenthe grip head. The low part of cam 120 then causes registrationof ports 112 and 113 of valve 108, breaking the vacuum of the grip headchamber, thus releasing the were, or, if desired, the were may beforcefully released or ejected by the application of air under pressure.The grip head may then be returned for another piece of ware and atwhich time the cam raise.120 maintains the valve in its neutralposition.

The foregoing operation will of course be va-' ried inaccordance withthe particular type of were being transferred and grip head used and issimply set forth for the purposes of illustration.

It will also be obvious that a fluid medium other v than that specifiedherein could be employed in operating the ware pick-up device within theprime moving means and device for defining the path traversed by thelatter, said lever means being provided with shiftable mountingconnections which are adjustable during travel of said device. 1

2. In apparatus of the class specified, a main frame, a were pick-updevice, members supported by said frame for movement at substantiallyright angles to one another for carrying said device, and levers forcontrolling the movement of said members, said levers being providedwith shiftable pivoted mountings which are adjustable to vary the throwof said levers during the travel of said pick-up device.

3. In apparatus of the class specified, a-support, a pick-up devicemovably-mounted thereon,

cam means for actuating said pick-up device, and means for adjustingsaid support in transverse directions during the operation of saiddevice to define the path traversed by said device.

4. Inapp'aratus of the class specified, a support, a pick-up devicemounted for swinging movement on said support, a cam and drivingconnections between it and the said device for first swinging saiddevice on said support, and a.cam and driving connections between it andthe support for subsequently moving said support and device in arectilinear direction to a point of deposit.

.5. In apparatus of the class specified, a support, a pick-up devicepivotally mounted f-thereon, means for moving said supportrectilinearily in one direction'to lift ware from a mold, means formoving said support rectilinearily in a direction transverse to saidfirst mentioned direction of movement and simultaneously swinging saiddevice about its pivot, and means for adjusting the length of both ofthe rectilinear movements of said support during theoperation of thedevice.

6. Apparatus of the class specified, the combination with a fluidpressure operated ware pickup device, of a mold having a chamber adaptedation of said valve means with the operation of said pick-up device.

7. Apparatus of the class specified comprising, in combination, a mainframe, mold conveying means, chambered ware pick-up devices, wareconveyors, means for driving said latter conveyors in timed relationwith said mold conveying means, valve means for admitting a fluid mediumto said ware pick-up devices, and a means for imparting transfermovements to said pick-up devices, said means being adjustable while inoperation to position said devices relatively to the mold conveyingmeans and ware conveyors.

8. In apparatus of the class specified, the combination with an articleof ware to be transferred, of a grip member, means for positioning saidmember adjacent said article, means for causing said member to grip saidarticle, means for actuating said member to transfer the ware to a pointof deposit, means for inverting or partially inverting the articleduring transferthereof, and adjustable screw-operated cam means operableduring the actuation of the inverting means for adjusting the degree ofinversion of the article.

9. In apparatus of the class specified, the combination with astationary frame, of a supplemental frame carried thereby, cam operatedlever means for moving said supplemental frame vertically on saidstationary frame, a support carried by said supplemental frame, camoperated lever means for moving said support horizontally on saidsupplemental frame, a ware gripping device carried by said support, andeans for adjusting the position of the fulcrums o the cam operatedlevers, said means being oper ble during actuation of said frame andsaid support by said levers.

10. In apparatus of the class specified, the com bination with a mainstationary frame, of a supplemental frame carried thereby, camoperatedlever means for moving said supplemental frame on said mainfranfe, a support carried by said supplemental frame, cam operated levermeans for moving said support on said supplemental frame, a ware gripdevice carried by said .support, and means for adjusting the position ofthe fulcrums of the cam operated levers, said means being operableduring actuation of said frame and said support by said levers.

11. In apparatus of the class specified-the combination with a mainstationary frame, of a supplemental frame vertically slidably mounted onsaid stationary frame, slide members mounted 1.). said supplementalframe, a ware grip member supported from said slide members, and cammeans mechanically engaging said supplemental frame and slide membersfor imparting reciprocating movements having components in twocoordinate directions to said supplemental frame and slide members.

12. In apparatus of the class specified, a main stationary frame, asupplemental frame movably mounted on said stationary frame, a waregrip.

device provided with a cam-shaped'stem, means for supporting saiddevice, said means being movably mounted on said supplemental frame andsaid stem being pivotally mounted on said supporting means, and acontact device mounted in the path of movement of said stem.

13. In apparatus of the class specified, a main stationary frame, asupplemental frame mounted to slide vertically on said main frame, aware grip device provided with a cam-shaped stem, slide members mountedin said supplemental frame and slidable at right angles thereto, saidstem being pivotally mounted on one of said slide members, and a contactdevice secured in said supplemental frame and adapted to contact withsaid stem.

14. In apparatus of the class specified, a main stationary frame, avertically reciprocating supplemental frame mounted thereon, a ware-gripdevice supported from said supplemental frame, drive means forreciprocating said supplemental frame, and adjustable screw-operated cammeans for adjusting the extent of reciprocation of said supplementalframe, said adjustable screwoperated cam means being operable while theframe is being reciprocated by the drive means.

15. In apparatus of the class specified, a main stationary frame, asupplemental frame movably mounted thereon, a ware-grip device, meansfor supporting said device, said' means being movably mounted on saidsupplemental frame, cam means for imparting reciprocating movementshaving components in two coordinate directions 1:

for substantially unresisted vertical movement I relatively to thecarriage, means for moving the all carriage and pick-up device to andfro in a predetermined path between ware receiving and were deliverystations, means for adjustably locating the ends of said path, and meansfor raising and lowering the carriage whereby gentle arrest of thepick-up device at either stationis efiected by means of s id unresistedmovement oi the pick-up device.

l7. An apparatus for transferring iragile ware, comprising a carriage,means for moving the can riage vertically, means for moving the carriagehorizontally, a were cicle-up device ire-sly slidably mounted on thecarriage for vertical movement, and means for counterbalancing the werepick-up device to eliminate collision shock between the ware piciz updevice and fragile were when the carriage is lowered in the direction ofware to be transferred.

iii. in for handling Ware, carriage, for bodily reciprocating thecarriage vertically, a ware nick-up device, and means for :doatinglymounting the were pick-no device on the carriage for substantiallyunresisted vertical movement relatively to the carriage,

.' whereby the pick-up device may be gently moved into contact with thefragile ware to be handled.

19. In an apparatus for handling fragile ware, a carriage, means forbodily reciprocating the carriage vertically, a were pica-up device,and, means for floatingly mounting the were pick-up device on thecarriage for substantially nni'esisted vertical movement relatively tothe carriag said last-named means including a counterweight associatedwith the pick-up device, whereby the pick-up device may be gentlyi'noved into contact with the fragile were to be handled.

20. In an apparatus for handling iragile Ware, a carriage. means forbodily reciprocating the carriage vertically, a ware pick-up device, andmeans for fioatingly mounting the ware pick-up device on the carriagefor permitting continued movement of the carriage after establishment ofcontact between the pick-up device and the ware, said lastmentionedmeans including adjustable means for counteracting the weight of thepick-up device sumciently to substantially eliminate pressure at thecontact surface.

21. In an apparatus for handling fragile-ware, a carriage, means forbodily reciprocating the carriage vertically, a were pick-up device,means for floatingly mounting the were pick-up device on the carriagefor substantially sisted vertical movement relatively to the carriage,whereby the pick-up device may be gently moved into contact with thefragile ware to be handled, and means for moving said carriage t0 andfro in a predetermined. path between ware receiving and were deliveringstations having ware locating surfaces.

22. in an apparatus of the class specified, the combination of means forsupporting ware, a niclr=up mechanism for lifting and depositing thewere articles, said pick-up meoi'ianisrn comprising a carriage, meansfor bodily reciprocating the carriage vertically, a ware pick-up device,means for iloatingly mounting the were pick-up device on the carriagefor substantially unresisted ver tioal movement relatively to thecarriage, Where by the pick on device be gently moved into contact v!"'"agile ware to be handled, a cot yor 'ently movable the range ofaction. a. the pi. .i I device, means for moving said picleun device tofro between the means for supporting were and the conveyor, and meansfor adjusting the duration of dwell between cessive movements theconveyor to the extent required for a plurality of were depositing75510179 of the pick-up device whereby articles are stacked on conveyor,

23. in an apparatus of the class specified, the combination of means forsupporting ware, a pick-up mechanism for lifting and depositing the werearticles, said pick-up mechanism cornnrising a carriage, means forbodily reciprocating the carriage vertically, a ware pick=up device,means for :doatingly mounting the warepick-up device on the carriage forsubstantially unresisted vertical movement relatively to the carriage,whereby the pick-up device may be gently moved into contact with thefragile ware to be handled, a conveyor intermittently movable in therange of action of the pick-up device, means for moving said pick-updevice to and fro between the means for supporting ware and theconveyor, means for adjusting the duration of dwell between succes= sivemovements of the conveyor to the extent required for a plurality of waredepositing movements of the pick-up device whereby articles are stackedin the conveyor, and means for adjusting the extent of each movement ofthe conveyor to vary the distance between the stacks of were depositedthereon in accordance with the an; eter oi the ware.

Bill

lilo

its

